In December of 2017, Grace was diagnosed with Chronic Myleoid Leukemia (CML). Months before her diagnosis, we had originally made plans to go on this trip, but when we learned of her diagnosis, there was a lot of uncertainty and unknown factors.
We were in the hospital for a week a few days after Christmas and into the New Year. When we were finally allowed to go home, we realized life was meant to be enjoyed and did not want to let this stop us.
We went on this trip, and it was definitely a challenge as Grace was new to taking her chemo pills, battling fatigue, and bone/joint pain. We had some tough moments throughout the trip as we spent time in D.C., Toronto, and Ottawa, but we were determined to try and enjoy every moment.
We skated the entire 7.8km (4.8miles) on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa. The video means so much to us because it was very representative of what we were going through. There was this long journey ahead, unknown path and condition, freezing cold temperatures, and icy snowflakes in the air, but we did not let that stop us. When Grace was feeling tired, she held onto my
@pacificrink pondpack, and I pulled her along on the Canal and was her shield when the wind picked up.
We were able to make it to the end of the skateway and even skated the entire way back. It felt amazing to accomplish this, given all of the circumstances, and this gave us a new outlook on life. Skating the Canal confirmed that we can do anything. No matter the challenge and/or obstacle, we will get through it together.
My account isn't just about hockey. I hope that my account can help provide comfort and strength to those in similar circumstances to keep moving forward and to enjoy every moment that you have.
#fuckcancer #hockeyfightscancer #leukemia #chronicmyeloidleukemia #CML #iceskating #couples #bestrong #fighter #hockey #rideaucanal #Ottawa #ottawaforyou #skating #hockeycouples #hockeylife #pacificrink #travel #enjoylife #love
